Pest insects

Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment, and our lifestyle. Pest insects may cause problems by damaging crops and food production, parasitising livestock, or being a nuisance and health hazard to humans.

Western Australia is free from some of the world's major pest insects. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of insects.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of pest insects
  • where relevant post border biosecurity measures
  • advice on widespread pest insects present in the state.

For advice on pest insects search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

See Also

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Articles

  • Citrophilus mealybug on a fruit

    Citrophilus mealybug: declared pest

    18 October 2013

    Citrophilus mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae) is a serious pest of many horticultural industries that can downgrade fruit quality and affect fruit production.

  • European wasp: declared pest

    The European wasp is considered one of the worst wasps in the world - harmful to people, our outdoor lifestyle and to our horticultural and agricultural industries.

  • European house borer

    European house borer (EHB) Hylotrupes bajulus is a destructive pest of seasoned coniferous timber including pine, fir and spruce.

  • The Department of Agriculture and Food is asking the community to look out for and report signs of citrus gall wasp.

    Citrus gall wasp in Western Australia

    2 July 2014

    Citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis) is a pest of citrus trees. Discovered in the suburb of Eden Hill in 2013 it is now an established pest in Perth.

  • Wheat re-growth and broad-leafed weeds form a green bridge

    Control of green bridge for pest and disease management

    19 December 2013

    In Western Australia's Mediterranean-type climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining pest outbreaks and disease epidemics in broadacre crops.

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    Canola essentials - growing a successful canola crop

    11 May 2018

    This page summarises the main factors to consider when planning or managing a canola crop.

  • Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni

    Queensland fruit fly

    6 February 2015

    Queensland fruit fly (Qfly, Bactrocera tryoni) is considered to be one of the most serious pests of fruit and vegetables in Australia.

  • Black argentine ants on a red background seen under a microscope

    Argentine ants

    4 December 2013

    Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, are a major cosmopolitan pest ant species, primarily of the suburbs, which often enter houses in search of food and moisture.

  • millipede on a wall

    Portuguese millipedes

    10 December 2013

    Portuguese millipedes (Ommatoiulus moreleti) belong to a group of animals called Myriapoda (meaning many-legged), which also includes several native Australian millipedes and centipedes.

  • Tree with close up of green, black and fruit which is half green and half black.

    Olive tree pests and diseases

    7 April 2014

    Keeping olive trees well-fed and adequately watered is the best initial defence against pests and diseases, since vigorous trees are better able to withstand attack and less likely to suffer long-t

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